U.S. patent application number 12/457476 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for withdrawal discharging piston pump.
Invention is credited to Heiner Ophardt.
Application Number | 20090308894 12/457476 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40990527 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090308894 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ophardt; Heiner |
December 17, 2009 |
Withdrawal discharging piston pump
Abstract
A pump assembly with a first pump which draws liquid from a
reservoir and dispenses it to a second pump. The second pump
receives the discharge from the first pump and air such that the
second pump discharges both liquid and air. The first pump
preferably has a piston movable in a first inner chamber and the
second pump utilizes the same piston movable in a second outer
chamber. Preferably, the second pump discharges in the withdrawal
stroke, that is while moving from a retracted position to a
withdrawn position.
Inventors: |
Ophardt; Heiner; (Vineland,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHES, MCKENZIE & HERBERT, LLP
SUITE 1800, 2 BLOOR STREET EAST
TORONTO
ON
M4W 3J5
CA
|
Family ID: |
40990527 |
Appl. No.: |
12/457476 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/190 ;
222/181.3; 222/321.8; 417/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/1211 20130101;
A47K 5/14 20130101; B05B 11/3001 20130101; G01F 11/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/190 ;
417/521; 222/181.3; 222/321.8 |
International
Class: |
B67D 5/06 20060101
B67D005/06; F04B 23/06 20060101 F04B023/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 12, 2008 |
CA |
2634981 |
Claims
1. A pump for dispensing liquid from a reservoir comprising: a
piston chamber-forming member having an inner cylindrical chamber,
an intermediate cylindrical chamber and an outer cylindrical
chamber, the inner chamber, intermediate chamber and outer chamber
each having a diameter, a chamber wall, an inner end and an outer
end, the diameter of the inner chamber being less than the diameter
of the intermediate chamber, the diameter of the outer chamber
being less than the diameter of the intermediate chamber, the inner
chamber, intermediate chamber and outer chamber being coaxial with
the outer end of the inner chamber opening into the inner end of
the intermediate chamber, and the outer end of the intermediate
chamber opening into the inner end of the outer chamber, the inner
end of the inner chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir,
a piston-forming element received in the piston chamber-forming
means axially slidable inwardly and outwardly therein between an
inward retracted position and an outward extended position, said
piston-forming element having a central axially extending hollow
stem having a central passageway closed at an inner end and having
an outlet proximate an outer end, an inner disc extending radially
outwardly from the stem, the inner disc adapted to engage the
chamber wall of the inner chamber, an intermediate disc extending
radially outwardly from the stem spaced axially outwardly from the
inner disc, the intermediate disc adapted to engage the chamber
wall of the outer chamber, an outer disc extending radially
outwardly from the stem spaced axially outwardly from the
intermediate disc, the outer disc engaging the chamber wall of the
outer chamber, an inlet located on the stem between the
intermediate disc and the outer disc in communication with the
passageway, the piston-forming element slidably received in the
piston chamber-forming means for reciprocal axial inward and
outward movement therein with the inner disc in the inner chamber,
the intermediate disc in the intermediate chamber and the outer
disc in the outer chamber, the inner disc substantially preventing
fluid flow in the inner chamber past the inner disc in an inward
direction, the intermediate disc substantially preventing fluid
flow in the intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an
inward direction, the outer sealing disc substantially preventing
fluid flow in the outer chamber past the outer sealing disc in an
outward direction, the inner disc elastically deformable away from
the chamber wall of the inner chamber to permit fluid flow in the
inner chamber past the inner disc in an outward direction, the
intermediate disc elastically deformable away from the chamber wall
of the intermediate chamber to permit fluid flow in the
intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an outward
direction.
2. A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the piston-forming
element moving from the retracted position to the extended
position, liquid from the reservoir is displaced in an outward
direction past the inner disc to between the inner disc and the
intermediate disc, and both liquid and air are displaced from
between the intermediate disc and the outer disc through the inlet
and passageway and out the outlet; in the piston-forming element
moving from the extended position to the retracted position, liquid
is displaced in an outward direction past the intermediate disc to
between the intermediate disc and the outer disc, and air is drawn
into between the intermediate disc and the outer disc.
3. A pump as claimed in claim 2 wherein in the piston-forming
element moving from the extended position to the retracted
position, the air drawn into between the intermediate disc and the
outer disc comprises atmospheric air drawn inwardly via the outlet
through the passageway.
4. A pump as claimed in claim 3 wherein in the piston-forming
element moving from the extended position to the retracted
position, the air drawn into between the intermediate disc and the
outer disc further comprises air in the passageway drawn
inwardly.
5. A pump as claimed in claim 3 wherein in the piston-forming
element moving from the extended position to the retracted
position, air and fluid in the passageway drawn inwardly into
between the intermediate disc and the outer disc.
6. A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air drawn into between
the intermediate disc and the outer sealing disc is drawn
thereinto, at least in part, via the outlet, passageway and
inlet.
7. A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer disc engaging the
chamber wall of the outer chamber circumferentially thereabout to
form a substantially fluid impermeable seal therewith on sliding of
said piston-forming element inwardly and outwardly between the
retracted and the extended positions, and all the atmospheric air
drawn into between the intermediate disc and the outer sealing disc
is drawn thereinto via the outlet, passageway and inlet.
8. A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer disc having an
elastically deformable edge portion proximate the chamber wall of
the inner chamber circumferentially thereabout, the outer disc
elastically deformable away from the chamber wall of the outer
chamber to permit air flow in the outer chamber past the outer disc
in an inward direction, the air drawn into between the intermediate
disc and the outer disc is drawn thereinto at least in part
inwardly in the outer chamber past the outer disc.
9. A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air drawn into between
the intermediate disc and the outer sealing disc is drawn thereinto
at least in part via the outlet, passageway and inlet.
10. A pump as claimed in claim 1 including an orifice member in the
passageway between the inlet and the outlet selected from a porous
member for generating turbulence in fluid passing therethrough to
generate foam when liquid and air pass therethrough simultaneously
and a nozzle member to at least partially atomise liquid when
liquid and air pass therethrough simultaneously.
11. A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the inner end of the
intermediate chamber comprises an annular shoulder opening into the
outer end of the inner chamber, and the outer end of the
intermediate chamber comprises an annular shoulder opening into the
inner end of the outer chamber.
12. A pump as claimed in claim 1 in which each of the piston
chamber-forming member and piston-forming element is of generally
circular cross-section disposed coaxially about a central axis
along which the piston-forming element and piston chamber-forming
member are slidable relative each other.
13. A pump as claimed in claim 1 in which the inner chamber is
above the intermediate chamber, the intermediate chamber is above
the outer chamber, the inner end of the inner chamber is above the
outer end of the inner chamber, the inner end of the intermediate
chamber is above the outer end of the intermediate chamber, and the
inner end of the outer chamber above the outer end of the outer
chamber.
14. A pump as claimed in claim 13 in which the reservoir is above
the inner chamber.
15. A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the diameter of the outer
chamber is less than the diameter of the inner chamber.
16. A pump for producing and dispensing foam, comprising: an air
chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a fluid chamber having a
fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being in flow
communication with a fluid containing reservoir, a foam generating
member for generating turbulence in air and fluid passing
therethrough to produce foam, the foam generating member positioned
downstream from the air chamber outlet and the fluid outlet to
receive fluid which has been discharged through the fluid outlet
and air which has been discharged through the air chamber outlet, a
discharge outlet downstream from the foam generating member open to
the atmosphere for discharge of any air, fluid and foam discharged
outwardly through the foam generating member, the pump comprising a
first member and a second member cooperating to define the air
chamber and the fluid chamber, the second member being reciprocally
slidable with respect to the first member between a withdrawal
position and a retracted position, whereby moving the second member
in a withdrawal stroke from the retracted position to the extended
position pressurizes the air chamber thereby forcing liquid and air
through the foam generating member and simultaneously drawing fluid
from the reservoir through the fluid inlet into the fluid chamber,
and whereby moving the second member in a retraction stroke from
the withdrawn position to the retracted position pressurizes the
fluid chamber thereby discharging fluid from the fluid chamber out
the fluid outlet and simultaneously draws air into the air
chamber.
17. A pump as claimed in claim 16 wherein: the first member
comprises a piston chamber-forming member having an inner end, an
intermediate cylindrical chamber and an outer cylindrical chamber,
intermediate chamber and outer chamber each having a diameter, a
chamber wall, an inner end and an outer end, the diameter of the
outer chamber being less than the diameter of the intermediate
chamber, intermediate chamber and outer chamber being coaxial with
the outer end of the intermediate chamber opening into the inner
end of the outer chamber, the inner end of the inner chamber in
fluid communication with the reservoir, the second member comprises
a piston forming element received in the piston chamber-forming
means axially slidable inwardly and outwardly therein between an
inward retracted position and an outward extended position, said
piston forming element having a central axially extending hollow
stem having a central passageway closed at an inner end and having
an outlet proximate an outer end, an intermediate disc extending
radially outwardly from the stem, the intermediate disc adapted to
engage the chamber wall of the outer chamber, an outer disc
extending radially outwardly from the stem spaced axially outwardly
from the intermediate disc, the outer disc engaging the chamber
wall of the outer chamber, an inlet located on the stem between the
intermediate disc and the outer disc in communication with the
passageway, the piston forming element slidably received in the
piston chamber-forming means for reciprocal axial inward and
outward movement therein with the intermediate disc in the
intermediate chamber and the outer disc in the outer chamber, the
intermediate disc substantially preventing fluid flow in the
intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an inward
direction, the outer sealing disc substantially preventing fluid
flow in the outer chamber past the outer sealing disc in an outward
direction, the intermediate disc elastically deformable away from
the chamber wall of the intermediate chamber to permit fluid flow
in the intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an
outward direction, the piston chamber-forming member and
piston-forming element forming a liquid pump mechanism therebetween
including a one way valve outwardly of the intermediate chamber and
the intermediate disc, the liquid pump mechanism receiving liquid
from the reservoir and displacing liquid in an outward direction
through the inner end to between the one way valve and the
intermediate disc, wherein in the piston-forming element moving
from the retracted position to the extended position, liquid from
the reservoir is displaced in an outward direction through the
inner end by the liquid pump past the one-way valve to between the
one way valve and the intermediate disc, and both liquid and air
are displaced from between the intermediate disc and the outer disc
through the inlet and passageway and out the outlet and in the
piston-forming element moving from the extended position to the
retracted position, liquid is displaced by the liquid pump in an
outward direction past the intermediate disc to between the
intermediate disc and the outer disc, and air is drawn into between
the intermediate disc and the outer disc, the intermediate chamber
is above the outer chamber, the inner end of the piston
chamber-forming member is above the inner end of the intermediate
chamber, the inner end of the intermediate chamber is above the
outer end of the intermediate chamber, and the inner end of the
outer chamber above the outer end of the outer chamber.
18. A pump as claimed in claim 16 wherein in the piston-forming
element moving from the extended position to the retracted
position, the air drawn into between the intermediate disc and the
outer disc comprises atmospheric air drawn inwardly via the outlet
through the passageway.
19. A pump for dispensing liquid and air, comprising: an air
chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a fluid chamber having a
fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being in flow
communication with a fluid containing reservoir, an outlet
passageway downstream from the air chamber outlet and the fluid
outlet to receive fluid which has been discharged through the fluid
outlet and air which has been discharged through the air chamber
outlet, the outlet passageway communicating with a discharge outlet
open to the atmosphere for discharge of air and liquid, the pump
comprising a first member and a second member cooperating to define
the air chamber and the fluid chamber, the second member being
reciprocally slidable with respect to the first member between a
withdrawal position and a retracted position, whereby moving the
second member in a withdrawal stroke from the retracted position to
the extended position pressurizes the air chamber thereby forcing
liquid and air through the foam generating member and
simultaneously drawing fluid from the reservoir through the fluid
inlet into the fluid chamber, and whereby moving the second member
in a retraction stroke from the withdrawn position to the retracted
position pressurizes the fluid chamber thereby discharging fluid
from the fluid chamber out the fluid outlet and simultaneously
draws air into the air chamber.
20. A pump as claimed in claim 21 wherein: the first member
comprises a piston chamber-forming member having an inner end, an
intermediate cylindrical chamber and an outer cylindrical chamber,
intermediate chamber and outer chamber each having a diameter, a
chamber wall, an inner end and an outer end, the diameter of the
outer chamber being less than the diameter of the intermediate
chamber, intermediate chamber and outer chamber being coaxial with
the outer end of the intermediate chamber opening into the inner
end of the outer chamber, the inner end of the inner chamber in
fluid communication with the reservoir, the second member comprises
a piston forming element received in the piston chamber-forming
means axially slidable inwardly and outwardly therein between an
inward retracted position and an outward extended position, said
piston-forming element having a central axially extending hollow
stem having a central passageway closed at an inner end and having
an outlet proximate an outer end, an intermediate disc extending
radially outwardly from the stem, the intermediate disc adapted to
engage the chamber wall of the outer chamber, an outer disc
extending radially outwardly from the stem spaced axially outwardly
from the intermediate disc, the outer disc engaging the chamber
wall of the outer chamber, an inlet located on the stem between the
intermediate disc and the outer disc in communication with the
passageway, the piston-forming element slidably received in the
piston chamber-forming means for reciprocal axial inward and
outward movement therein with the intermediate disc in the
intermediate chamber and the outer disc in the outer chamber, the
intermediate disc substantially preventing fluid flow in the
intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an inward
direction, the outer sealing disc substantially preventing fluid
flow in the outer chamber past the outer sealing disc in an outward
direction, the intermediate disc elastically deformable away from
the chamber wall of the intermediate chamber to permit fluid flow
in the intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an
outward direction, the piston chamber-forming member and
piston-forming element forming a liquid pump mechanism therebetween
including a one way valve outwardly of the intermediate chamber and
the intermediate disc, the liquid pump mechanism receiving liquid
from the reservoir and displacing liquid in an outward direction
through the inner end to between the one-way valve and the
intermediate disc, wherein in the piston-forming element moving
from the retracted position to the extended position, liquid from
the reservoir is displaced in an outward direction through the
inner end by the liquid pump past the one-way valve to between the
one way valve and the intermediate disc, and both liquid and air
are displaced from between the intermediate disc and the outer disc
through the inlet and passageway and out the outlet and in the
piston-forming element moving from the extended position to the
retracted position, liquid is displaced by the liquid pump in an
outward direction past the intermediate disc to between the
intermediate disc and the outer disc, and air is drawn into between
the intermediate disc and the outer disc, the intermediate chamber
is above the outer chamber, the inner end of the piston
chamber-forming member is above the inner end of the intermediate
chamber, the inner end of the intermediate chamber is above the
outer end of the intermediate chamber, and the inner end of the
outer chamber above the outer end of the outer chamber.
Description
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to liquid dispensers and, more
particularly, liquid dispensers to dispensing liquid and air,
preferably as a foam or mist spray.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Liquid dispensers for dispensing soaps and other similar
fluids in liquid form are known. For various reasons in some
applications, it is preferable to dispense liquids, soaps and air.
As one example, it may be desired to dispense other similar fluids
in the form of a foam. Generally, in the form of a foam, less soap
liquid is required to be used as contrasted with the soap in the
liquid form. As well, soap as foam is less likely to run off a
user's hands or other surfaces to be cleaned. As another example,
it may be desired to dispense liquid mixed with air as a mist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides improved and simplified
apparatuses for dispensing a fluid and air preferably as a foam or
as a mist spray.
[0004] The present invention also provides a pump assembly with a
first pump which draws liquid from a reservoir and dispenses it to
a second pump. The second pump receives the discharge from the
first pump and air such that the second pump discharges both liquid
and air. The first pump preferably has a piston movable in a first
inner chamber and the second pump utilizes the same piston movable
in a second outer chamber. Preferably, the second pump discharges
in the withdrawal stroke, that is while moving from a retracted
position to a withdrawn position.
[0005] In one version, the first pump and the second pump are out
of phase in the sense that in one stroke the first pump discharges
while the second pump draws in and, in the opposite stroke, the
first pump draws in while the second pump discharges. In a second
version, the first pump and the second pump are in phase in the
sense that both discharge in the same stroke and both draw in in
the opposite stroke.
[0006] Preferably, a one-way valve is provided between the first
chamber and the reservoir to provide flow outwardly only from the
reservoir to the first chamber. Preferably, communication is
provided between the first chamber and the second chamber,
preferably with a one-way valve providing flow outwardly only from
the first chamber to the second chamber.
[0007] Preferably, simultaneously discharged air and liquid may
preferably produce foam by passing through a foam generator, such
as a porous member, or be atomized as by passing through a
nozzle.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved
pump for dispensing a liquid and air.
[0009] Another object is to provide an improved pump for dispensing
a liquid in the form of a foam or air mist or air spray.
[0010] Another object is to provide an improved pump for discharge
in the withdrawal stroke of liquid and air.
[0011] In one aspect, the present invention provides a pump for
dispensing liquid from a reservoir comprising:
[0012] a piston-chamber forming member having an inner cylindrical
chamber, an intermediate cylindrical chamber and an outer
cylindrical chamber,
[0013] the inner chamber, intermediate chamber and outer chamber
each having a diameter, a chamber wall, an inner end and an outer
end,
[0014] the diameter of the inner chamber being less than the
diameter of the intermediate chamber, the diameter of the outer
chamber being less than the diameter of the intermediate
chamber,
[0015] the inner chamber, intermediate chamber and outer chamber
being coaxial with the outer end of the inner chamber opening into
the inner end of the intermediate chamber, and the outer end of the
intermediate chamber opening into the inner end of the outer
chamber,
[0016] the inner end of the inner chamber in fluid communication
with the reservoir,
[0017] a piston-forming element received in the piston
chamber-forming means axially slidable inwardly and outwardly
therein between an inward retracted position and an outward
extended position,
[0018] said piston-forming element having a central axially
extending hollow stem having a central passageway closed at an
inner end and having an outlet proximate an outer end,
[0019] an inner disc extending radially outwardly from the stem,
the inner disc adapted to engage the chamber wall of the inner
chamber,
[0020] an intermediate disc extending radially outwardly from the
stem spaced axially outwardly from the inner disc, the intermediate
disc adapted to engage the chamber wall of the outer chamber,
[0021] an outer disc extending radially outwardly from the stem
spaced axially outwardly from the intermediate disc, the outer disc
engaging the chamber wall of the outer chamber,
[0022] an inlet located on the stem between the intermediate disc
and the outer disc in communication with the passageway,
[0023] the piston-forming element slidably received in the piston
chamber-forming means for reciprocal axial inward and outward
movement therein with the inner disc in the inner chamber, the
intermediate disc in the intermediate chamber and the outer disc in
the outer chamber,
[0024] the inner disc substantially preventing fluid flow in the
inner chamber past the inner disc in an inward direction,
[0025] the intermediate disc substantially preventing fluid flow in
the intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an inward
direction,
[0026] the outer sealing disc substantially preventing fluid flow
in the outer chamber past the outer sealing disc in an outward
direction,
[0027] the inner disc elastically deformable away from the chamber
wall of the inner chamber to permit fluid flow in the inner chamber
past the inner disc in an outward direction,
[0028] the intermediate disc elastically deformable away from the
chamber wall of the intermediate chamber to permit fluid flow in
the intermediate chamber past the intermediate disc in an outward
direction.
[0029] In another aspect, the present invention provides a pump for
producing and dispensing foam, comprising:
[0030] an air chamber having an inlet and an outlet,
[0031] a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet,
[0032] the fluid inlet being in flow communication with a fluid
containing reservoir,
[0033] a foam generating member for generating turbulence in air
and fluid passing therethrough to produce foam,
[0034] the foam generating member positioned downstream from the
air chamber outlet and the fluid outlet to receive fluid which has
been discharged through the fluid outlet and air which has been
discharged through the air chamber outlet,
[0035] a discharge outlet downstream from the foam generating
member open to the atmosphere for discharge of any air, fluid and
foam discharged outwardly through the foam generating member,
[0036] the pump comprising a first member and a second member
cooperating to define the air chamber and the fluid chamber,
[0037] the second member being reciprocally slidable with respect
to the first member between a withdrawal position and a retracted
position,
[0038] whereby moving the second member in a withdrawal stroke from
the retracted position to the extended position pressurizes the air
chamber thereby forcing liquid and air through the foam generating
member and simultaneously drawing fluid from the reservoir through
the fluid inlet into the fluid chamber, and
[0039] whereby moving the second member in a retraction stroke from
the withdrawn position to the retracted position pressurizes the
fluid chamber thereby discharging fluid from the fluid chamber out
the fluid outlet and simultaneously draws air into the air
chamber.
[0040] In another aspect, the present invention provides a pump for
dispensing liquid and air, comprising:
[0041] an air chamber having an inlet and an outlet,
[0042] a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet,
[0043] the fluid inlet being in flow communication with a fluid
containing reservoir,
[0044] an outlet passageway downstream from the air chamber outlet
and the fluid outlet to receive fluid which has been discharged
through the fluid outlet and air which has been discharged through
the air chamber outlet, the outlet passageway communicating with a
discharge outlet open to the atmosphere for discharge of air and
liquid,
[0045] the pump comprising a first member and a second member
cooperating to define the air chamber and the fluid chamber,
[0046] the second member being reciprocally slidable with respect
to the first member between a withdrawal position and a retracted
position,
[0047] whereby moving the second member in a withdrawal stroke from
the retracted position to the extended position pressurizes the air
chamber thereby forcing liquid and air through the foam generating
member and simultaneously drawing fluid from the reservoir through
the fluid inlet into the fluid chamber, and
[0048] whereby moving the second member in a retraction stroke from
the withdrawn position to the retracted position pressurizes the
fluid chamber thereby discharging fluid from the fluid chamber out
the fluid outlet and simultaneously draws air into the air
chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description taken together with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0050] FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away side view of a first
preferred embodiment of a liquid dispenser with a reservoir and
pump assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 2 is a vertically cross-sectioned perspective view of
the pump assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0052] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled pump
assembly of FIG. 2 showing the piston in a fully retracted
position;
[0053] FIG. 4 is the same side view as in FIG. 3 but showing the
pump in a fully extended position;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump assembly in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention
showing the piston in a fully retracted position;
[0055] FIG. 6 is a vertically cross-sectioned perspective view of a
pump assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 7 is the same side view as in FIG. 6 but showing the
pump in a fully extended position;
[0057] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump assembly in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention
showing the piston in a fully retracted position;
[0058] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump assembly in
accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention showing
the piston in a fully retracted position;
[0059] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the pump
assembly shown in FIG. 9 illustrating alternate features;
[0060] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump assembly in
accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention showing
the piston in a fully retracted position;
[0061] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump assembly in
accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention
showing the piston in a fully withdrawn position;
[0062] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump assembly in
accordance with an eight embodiment of the present invention
showing the piston in a fully retracted position;
[0063] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a pre-form for a
bottle in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0064] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a tenth embodiment
of a pump assembly in accordance with the present invention
including a bottle made from the pre-form shown in FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] Reference is made to FIG. 1 which shows a liquid soap
dispenser generally indicated 70 utilizing the pump assembly 10 of
FIGS. 2 to 4 secured in the neck 58 of a sealed, collapsible
container or reservoir 60 containing liquid hand soap 68 to be
dispensed. Dispenser 70 has a housing generally indicated 78 to
receive and support the pump assembly 10 and the reservoir 60.
Housing 78 is shown with a back plate 80 for mounting the housing,
for example, to a building wall 82. A bottom support plate 84
extends forwardly from the back plate to support and receive the
reservoir 60 and pump assembly 10. As shown, the bottom support
plate 84 has a circular opening therethrough. The reservoir 60 sits
supported on shoulder 79 of the support plate 84 with the neck 58
of the reservoir 60 extending through opening 86 and secured in the
opening as by a threaded engagement or, alternatively, by a
friction fit, clamping or the like. A cover member 85 is hinged to
an upper forward extension 87 of the back plate 80 so as to permit
replacement of reservoir 60 and its pump assembly 10.
[0066] Support plate 84 carries an actuating lever 88 journalled
for pivoting about a horizontal axis at 90. A central portion of
the lever 88 carries a hook 94 to engage an engagement disc on a
piston 14 of the pump assembly 10 and couple lever 88 to piston 14,
such that movement of the lower handle end 96 of lever 88 from the
retracted position shown in solid lines to the withdrawn position
shown in dashed lines, in the direction indicated by arrow 98
slides piston 14 outwardly in a withdrawal pumping stroke as
indicated by arrow 100. On release of the lower handle end 96,
spring 102 biases the upper portion of lever 88 upwardly so that
the lever moves the piston 14 inwardly to a fully retracted
position as seen in solid lines in FIG. 1. Lever 88 and its hook 94
are adapted to permit manual coupling and uncoupling of the hook 94
as is necessary to remove and replace reservoir 60 and pump
assembly 10. Other mechanisms for moving the piston can be provided
including mechanized and motorized mechanisms.
[0067] In use of the dispenser 70, once exhausted, the empty,
collapsed reservoir 60 together with the attached pump assembly 10
are removed and a new reservoir 60 and attached pump assembly 10
may be inserted into the housing. Preferably, the removed reservoir
60 with its attached pump assembly 10 are both made entirely out of
recyclable plastic material which can easily be recycled without
the need for disassembly prior to cutting and shredding.
[0068] Reference is made first to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 which show a
first embodiment of the pump assembly 10. The pump assembly 10 is
best shown in FIG. 2 as comprising two principal elements, a piston
chamber-forming body 12 and a piston 14.
[0069] The piston chamber-forming body 12 has three cylindrical
portions illustrated to be of different radii, forming three
chambers, an inner chamber 20, an intermediate chamber 22, and an
outer chamber 24, all coaxially disposed about an axis 26. The
intermediate cylindrical chamber 22 is of the largest diameter. The
outer cylindrical chamber 24 is of a diameter which is smaller than
that of the intermediate cylindrical chamber 22. The inner
cylindrical chamber 20 is of a diameter less than that of the
intermediate cylindrical chamber 22 and, as well, is shown to be of
a diameter which is greater than that of the outer cylindrical
chamber 24.
[0070] The inner chamber 20 has an inlet opening 28 and an outlet
opening 29. The inner chamber has a cylindrical chamber side wall
30. The outlet opening 29 opens into an inlet end of the
intermediate chamber 22 from an opening in a shoulder 31 forming an
inner end of the intermediate chamber 22. The intermediate chamber
22 has an inlet opening, an outlet opening 32, and a cylindrical
chamber side wall 33. The outlet opening 32 of the intermediate
chamber 22 opens into an inlet end of the outer chamber 24 from an
opening in a shoulder 34 forming the outer end of the intermediate
chamber 22. The outer chamber 24 has an inlet opening, an outlet
opening 35 and a cylindrical chamber side wall 36.
[0071] Piston 14 is axially slidably received in the body 12. The
piston 14 has an elongate stem 38 upon which four discs are
provided at axially spaced locations. An inner flexing disc 40 is
provided at an innermost end spaced axially from an intermediate
flexing disc 42 which, in turn, is spaced axially from an outer
sealing disc 44. The inner disc 40 is adapted to be axially
slidable within the inner chamber 20. The intermediate disc 42 is
adapted to be axially slidable within the intermediate chamber 22.
The outer sealing disc 44 is adapted to be axially slidable within
the outer chamber 24.
[0072] The inner disc 40 has a resilient outer peripheral edge
which is directed outwardly and is adapted to prevent fluid flow
inwardly yet to deflect to permit fluid flow outwardly therepast.
Similarly, the intermediate disc 42 has a resilient peripheral edge
which is directed outwardly and adapted to prevent fluid flow
inwardly yet to deflect to permit fluid flow outwardly therepast.
In this regard, each of the inner disc 40 and intermediate disc 42
comprise circular resilient flexible discs each of which extends
radially outwardly. The inner disc 40, when engaged with the
cylindrical side wall 30 of the inner chamber 20, prevents fluid
flow axially inwardly therepast through the inner chamber 20,
however, is adapted to have its resilient outer edge deflect
radially inwardly to permit fluid flow, under pressure
differentials above a predetermined pressure, axially outwardly
therepast. The intermediate flexible disc 42, when engaged with the
interior wall 33 of the intermediate chamber 22, prevents fluid
flow axially inwardly therepast through the intermediate chamber
22, however, is adapted to have its resilient outer edge deflect
radially inwardly to permit fluid flow, under pressure
differentials above a predetermined pressure, axially outwardly
therepast.
[0073] The sealing outer disc 44 extends radially outwardly from
the stem 38 to sealably engage the side wall 36 of the outer
chamber 24, and prevent flow therepast either outwardly or both
outwardly and inwardly. In this regard, the outer disc 44 includes
an elastically deformable edge portion near the side wall 36 of the
outer chamber 24. This edge portion of the outer disc 44 is
deflectable radially inwardly so as to permit, under a sufficiently
high vacuum, air to flow axially inwardly therepast. In one
generally preferred arrangement, the piston 14 may be configured
such that all air to be drawn inwardly is drawn inwardly via the
outlet 48, however, some proportion of air drawn in may be drawn in
past the outer disc 44 by deflection of the outer disc.
[0074] The piston 14 essentially forms, as defined between the
inner disc 40 and the intermediate disc 42, an annular inner
compartment 64 which opens radially outwardly as an annular opening
between the discs 40 and 42. Similarly, the piston 14 effectively
forms between the intermediate sealing disc 42 and the outer
sealing disc 44 an annular outer compartment 66 which opens
radially outwardly as an annular opening between the discs 42 and
44.
[0075] In the first embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4 in a withdrawal
stroke, the inner annular compartment 64 is under vacuum and the
outer annular compartment 66 is under pressure. Thus, in a
withdrawal stroke, the intermediate disc 42 between the compartment
64 and the compartment 66 is biased into a sealing condition with
the side wall 30 of the inner chamber 20 both by the vacuum on its
inner surfaces and the complementary pressure on its outer
surfaces. As well, in a retraction stroke, the inner annular
compartment 64 is under pressure and the outer annular compartment
66 is under a vacuum. Thus, in a retraction stroke, the
intermediate disc 42 between the compartment 64 and the compartment
66 is biased downwardly to an unsealed condition with the side wall
30 of the inner chamber 20 by both the pressure on its inner
surfaces and the complementary vacuum on its outer surfaces. The
complementary pressures, that is, pressure on one side and vacuum
on the other side of the intermediate disc 42 in both the
withdrawal stroke and the retraction stroke reduces the need for
the intermediate disc 42 to be able to inherently assume a sealed
condition and to have a resilient outer periphery permitting
relatively simple configuration for the disc 42 to adequately
perform in practical applications, and a lessening of a need for
close tolerances in the manufacture of the disc 42 and the
intermediate chamber 22.
[0076] An outermost portion of the stem 38 is hollow with a central
passageway 46 extending from an outlet 48 at the outermost end 50
of the stem 38 centrally through the stem 38 to a closed inner end
52. A radially extending inlet 54 extends radially through the stem
into the passageway 46, with the inlet 54 being provided on the
stem 38 in between the intermediate disc 42 and the outer disc 44.
The inlet 54 is preferably disposed as shown proximate the outer
disc 44 such that liquid in the bottom of the compartment 66 will
be at or close to a height of the inlet 54 and will be urged out
the inlet 54 in a withdrawal stroke. While not necessary, as shown
in FIG. 3 in the retracted position, the outlet 54 is preferably
within the outer chamber 24 so that liquid in the bottom of the
outer chamber 66 will be proximate the outlet 54, and is of
assistance in minimizing the number of strokes of the piston 14 on
initial charging of an empty pump assembly before dispensing of
foam occurs.
[0077] The piston 14 is shown as formed from two main elements, an
inner piston element 102 and an outer piston element 104 which are
secured together capturing a foam producing element therebetween
within an enlarged section of the passageway 46. The foam producing
member as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 comprises two screens 56 and 57
held axially spaced by a hollow spacing tube 55. For simplicity of
illustration, FIG. 2 merely shows the screen 57 and not the screen
56 or spacing tube 55.
[0078] The foam-inducing member is provided in the passageway 46
intermediate between the inlet 54 and the outlet 48. The screens 56
and 57 may be fabricated of plastic, wire or cloth material. It may
comprise a porous ceramic member. The screens 56 and 57 provides
small apertures through which an air and liquid mixture may be
passed to aid foam production as by production of turbulent flow
through the small pores or apertures of the screen thereof in a
known manner. While two screens 56 and 57 are shown to produce
foam, other foam producing members may be used preferably being
porous members, preferably with small openings therethrough
preferably to produce turbulence in fluid passing therethrough.
[0079] The piston 14 carries an engagement flange or disc 62 on the
stem 38 outward from the outer sealing disc 44. Engagement disc 62
is provided for engagement by an activating device in order to move
the piston 14 in and out of the body 12. The outer piston element
104 is shown to carry the engagement flange 62.
[0080] In a withdrawal stroke from the position of FIG. 3 to the
position of FIG. 4, the volume of the annular outer compartment 66
between the intermediate disc 42 and the outer disc 44 decreases
such that air and liquid in the annular outer compartment 66 and in
the passageway 46 above the screen 57 is forced under pressure out
through the screen 57 commingling and producing foam. At the same
time, in the withdrawal stroke, the volume of the annular inner
compartment 64 between the inner disc 40 and the intermediate disc
42 increases drawing liquid from inside a reservoir past the inner
disc 40.
[0081] In a retraction stroke with movement from the extended
position of FIG. 4 to the retracted position of FIG. 3, the volume
of the annular inner compartment 64 between the inner disc 40 and
the intermediate disc 42 decreases such that fluid is displaced
outwardly past the intermediate disc 42 to between the intermediate
disc 42 and the outer disc 44. At the same time, the volume of the
annular outer compartment 66 between the intermediate disc 42 and
the outer disc 44 increases, with such increase being greater than
the volume decrease between the inner disc 40 and the intermediate
disc 42 such that in addition to the fluid displaced outwardly past
intermediate disc 42, air is drawn inwardly via the outlet 48,
passageway 46, and the inlet 54 into the annular outer compartment
66 between the intermediate disc 42 and the outer disc 44.
[0082] Reciprocal movement of the piston 14 between the retracted
and extended positions will successively draw and pump precise
amounts of fluid from a container and mix such fluid with air from
the atmosphere and dispense the fluid commingled with the air as a
foam.
[0083] Operation of the pump assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4
will draw liquid out of a container creating a vacuum therein. The
pump assembly is preferably adapted for use with a collapsible
container. Alternatively, a suitable vent mechanism may be provided
if desired as, for example, for use in a non-collapsible container
to permit atmospheric air to enter the container and prevent a
vacuum being built up therein which prevents further
dispensing.
[0084] It is to be appreciated that the inner disc 40 and the
intermediate disc 42 form a first stepped pump and, similarly, the
intermediate disc 42 and the outer disc 44 form a second stepped
pump. The first pump and second pump are out of phase in the sense
that in any one retraction or extension stroke while one pump is
drawing fluid in, the other is discharging fluid out.
[0085] Both the piston 14 and the body 12 may be formed as from
plastic as by injection moulding.
[0086] The body 12 is shown as formed as a unitary element by
injection moulding with the stepped increase in diameter from the
inner chamber 20 to the intermediate chamber 22 selected to be
sufficiently small that a mould core to form the larger diameter
intermediate chamber 22 may be withdrawn through the inner chamber
20. In this regard, to facilitate the mould core removal, the
shoulder 31 is shown to provide a smooth transition from the
chamber 22 to the chamber 20. Alternatively, the body 12 may be
formed from two or more separate portions, for example, one
including the cylindrical wall 30 of the inner chamber 20 and the
shoulder 31, and the other including the cylindrical wall 33 of the
intermediate chamber 22.
[0087] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4, having the outer chamber
24 to have a smaller diameter than the intermediate chamber 22
assist in the outer chamber 24 acting as a sump to receive liquid
under the effective gravity in the outer compartment 66. This
accumulation of liquid in the outer chamber 24 can be assisted by
sloping the shoulder 34 between the intermediate chamber 22 and the
outer chamber 24 outwardly and inwardly as, for example, to be
frustoconical and guide liquid under gravity into the outer chamber
24 towards assisting that on expelling fluid from the outer chamber
24, liquid in the bottom of the outer chamber 24 is at least
initially expelled.
[0088] The first embodiment shows dispensers for passing liquid and
air through screens 56 and 57 to dispense the liquid as a foam. The
screens 56 and 57 can be eliminated in which case the dispenser
illustrated could serve to dispense liquid with air. The foaming
screens could be replaced by another orifice device such as an
atomizing nozzle to produce a mist or spray.
[0089] Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which illustrates a second
embodiment of a pump assembly in accordance with the present
invention in a retracted position. Throughout the drawings, the
same reference numerals are used to refer to like elements. The
second embodiment of FIG. 5 is identical to the first embodiment of
FIG. 2 to 4 but for four exceptions.
[0090] The first exception is that the inner chamber 20 has a
diameter which is larger than the diameter of the intermediate
chamber 22.
[0091] The second exception is that the piston chamber-forming body
12 carries an internally threaded collar 106 adapted to threadably
secure the piston chamber-forming body 12 to the neck of a bottle
or reservoir not shown.
[0092] The third exception is that the piston chamber-forming body
12 has been provided with a protective shroud 108 effectively
comprising an outward extension of the intermediate chamber wall 33
from the shoulder 34 so as to provide protection to the piston 14
when in the retracted position as can be useful during shipping and
handling and, for example, reduce the need for a separate removable
protective cover.
[0093] The fourth exception includes the construction of the piston
so that the inner portion 102 carries the engagement disc 62 which
is of reduced diameter so as to permit the portion of the piston 14
carrying the engagement flange to be inserted outwardly through the
outer chamber as can permit any preassembly of the piston before
coupling to the body 12.
[0094] The fifth exemption is that the foam inducing member has
been removed and replaced by a nozzle member 110 carried as a
smaller sized outer portion of the piston 14 located in the
passageway 46 near the outlet 48 with the nozzle member having an
aperture therethrough adapted to discharge air and liquid as a
spray or air mist.
[0095] One or more the collar 106, the protective shroud 108, the
reduced diameter engagement disc 62 and the nozzle 110 could
similarly be provided on the first embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4.
[0096] From the retracted position shown in FIG. 5, in moving
outwardly in a withdrawal stroke, the volume between the
intermediate disc 42 and the outer disc 44 decreases such that air
and liquid therebetween and in the passageway 46 is forced under
pressure out through the nozzle member 110. At the same time, in
the withdrawal stroke, the volume between the inner disc 40 and the
intermediate disc 42 decreases such that fluid is displaced
outwardly past the intermediate disc 42 to between the intermediate
disc 42 and the outer disc 44.
[0097] In a retraction stroke with movement from a withdrawn
position inwardly toward to the retracted position of FIG. 5, the
volume between the inner disc 40 and the intermediate disc 42
increases such that fluid is drawn outwardly past the inner disc 40
to between the inner disc 40 and the intermediate disc 42. At the
same time, the volume between the intermediate disc 42 and the
outer disc 44 increases such that atmospheric air is drawn inwardly
via the outlet 48, passageway 46, and the inlet 54 to in between
the intermediate disc 42 and the outer disc 44, together with any
air and any liquid in the passageway.
[0098] As with the first embodiment of FIG. 2 to 4, the inner disc
40 and the intermediate disc 42 form a first stepped pump and,
similarly, the intermediate disc 42 and the outer disc 44 form a
second stepped pump. In contrast with the first embodiment of FIG.
2 to 4 in which the first pump and second pump are out of phase in
the sense that in any one retraction or extension stroke while one
pump is drawing fluid in, the other is discharging fluid out, in
the second embodiment of FIG. 5 the first pump and second pump are
in phase in the sense that in any retraction stroke both the first
pump and the second pump are drawing fluid in, and in any extension
stroke both the first pump and the second pump are discharging
fluid out.
[0099] It is to be appreciated that the nature of the liquid to be
dispensed including its viscosity and flow characteristics will be
important in order for a person skilled in the art to make suitable
selection of the relative sizes and dimensions and resistance to
flow provided by the various passageways, inlets, outlets and
screens and/or past the various discs. As well, the quantity of
liquid desired to be dispensed in each stroke will have a bearing
on the relative proportion and sizing of the components including
particularly the inner compartment 64, outer compartment 66 and the
axial length of a stroke of the piston.
[0100] In the preferred embodiments, the engagement disc 62 is
provided on the piston 14 for engagement to move the piston
inwardly and outwardly. It is to be appreciated that various other
mechanisms can be provided for engagement and movement of the
piston relative the body 12.
[0101] The preferred embodiments of the invention show passageway
46 for dispensing of the air and/or liquid as being provided
internally within a piston. Such an arrangement is believed
preferred from the point of view of ease of construction of the
pump assembly 10. However, it is to be appreciated that passageways
for dispensing the liquid and/or foam may be provided, at least
partially, as part of the body 12 or removably mounted to the body
12.
[0102] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated, the
relative buoyancy of air within the liquid and, hence, the
separation of air and liquid due to gravity are utilized as, for
example, to permit liquid in the outer compartment 66 to flow
downwardly in the outer chamber 24 to be disposed proximate the
outlet 54. It is to be appreciated, therefore, that the pump
assembly 10 in accordance with the presence invention should
preferably be disposed with what has been referred to as the inner
end of the pump assembly at a height above the height of the outer
outlet end.
[0103] Reference is made to FIGS. 6 and 7 which show a third
embodiment of the pump assembly 10. The pump assembly comprises two
principal elements, a piston chamber-forming body 12 and a piston
14 which together form a first inner liquid pump and a second outer
air pump.
[0104] The piston chamber-forming body 12 has four cylindrical
portions illustrated to be of different radii, forming four
chambers, an inner chamber 20, an inner intermediate chamber 21, an
outer intermediate chamber 23, and an outer chamber 24, all
coaxially disposed about an axis 26. The inner cylindrical chamber
20 is of a diameter less than that of the inner intermediate
cylindrical chamber 21. The outer intermediate cylindrical chamber
23 is of a diameter which is greater than that of the outer
cylindrical chamber 24.
[0105] The inner chamber 20 has an inlet opening 28 and an outlet
opening 29. The inner chamber has a cylindrical chamber side wall
30. The outlet opening 29 opens into an inlet end of the inner
intermediate chamber 21 from an opening in a shoulder 31 forming an
inner end of the inner intermediate chamber 21.
[0106] The inner intermediate chamber 21 has an inlet opening, an
outlet opening 32, and a cylindrical chamber side wall 33. The
outlet opening 32 of the inner intermediate chamber 21 opens into
the outer intermediate chamber 23.
[0107] The outer intermediate chamber 23 has an outlet opening 133
and a cylindrical chamber side wall 134. The outlet opening of the
outer intermediate chamber 23 opens into the outer chamber 24 from
an opening in a shoulder 34 forming the outer end of the outer
intermediate chamber 23. The outer chamber 24 has an inlet opening,
outlet opening 35 and a cylindrical chamber side wall 36.
[0108] Piston 14 is axially slidably received in the body 12. The
piston 14 has an elongate stem 38 upon which six discs are provided
at axially spaced locations. A flexing inner disc 40 is provided at
an innermost end spaced axially from a flexing inner intermediate
disc 42 which, in turn, is spaced axially from a sealing inner
intermediate disc 43. The inner disc 40 is adapted to be axially
slidable within the inner chamber 20. The flexing inner
intermediate disc 42, and the sealing inner intermediate disc 43
are adapted to be axially slidable within the inner intermediate
chamber 21. An outer intermediate disc 45 is provided adapted to be
axially slidable within the outer intermediate chamber 23. A
sealing outer disc 44 is spaced axially from the outer intermediate
disc 45 and adapted to be axially slidable within the outer
cylindrical chamber 24.
[0109] The inner disc 40 has a resilient outer peripheral edge
which is directed outwardly and is adapted to prevent fluid flow
inwardly yet to deflect to permit fluid flow outwardly therepast in
the inner chamber 20. The flexing inner intermediate disc 42 has a
resilient peripheral edge which is directed outwardly and adapted
to prevent fluid flow inwardly yet to deflect to permit fluid flow
outwardly therepast in the inner intermediate chamber 21. The
sealing inner intermediate disc 43 is adapted to be axially
slidable within the inner intermediate chamber 21. The sealing
inner intermediate disc 43 extends radially outwardly from the stem
38 to sealably engage the side wall of the inner intermediate
chamber 21, and prevent flow therepast either outwardly or both
outwardly and inwardly.
[0110] The flexing outer intermediate disc 45 has a resilient
peripheral edge which is directed outwardly and adapted to prevent
fluid flow inwardly yet to deflect to permit fluid flow outwardly
therepast in the outer intermediate chamber 23. The outer sealing
disc 44 is adapted to be axially slidable within the outer
cylindrical chamber 24. The outer sealing disc 44 extends radially
outwardly from the stem 38 to sealably engage the side wall 36 of
the outer chamber 24, and prevent flow therepast either outwardly
or both outwardly and inwardly.
[0111] The piston 14 essentially forms, as defined between the
inner disc 40 and the flexing inner intermediate disc 42, an
annular inner compartment 64 which opens radially outwardly as an
annular opening between the discs 40 and 42. Similarly, the piston
14 effectively forms between the flexing inner intermediate disc 42
and the sealing inner intermediate sealing disc 43 an annular outer
intermediate compartment 65 which opens radially outwardly as an
annular opening between the discs 42 and 43. Similarly, the piston
14 effectively forms between the outer intermediate sealing disc 45
and the outer disc 44 an annular outer compartment 66 which opens
radially outwardly as an annular opening between the discs 45 and
44.
[0112] An outermost portion of the stem 38 is hollow with a central
outer passageway 46 extending from an outlet 48 at the outermost
end 50 of the stem 38 centrally through the stem 38 to a closed
inner end 52. A radially extending inlet 54 extends radially
through the stem into the outer passageway 46, with the inlet 54
being provided on the stem in between the outer disc 44 and the
outer intermediate disc 45. A foam inducing member including
screens 56 and 56 is provided in the outer passageway 46
intermediate between the inlet 54 and the outlet 48 to aid foam
production as by production of turbulent flow through small pores
or apertures of the screen thereof in a known manner.
[0113] An intermediate portion of the stem 38 is also hollow with a
central inner passageway 146 extending from an inner closed end 152
to an outer closed end 153. A radially extending inlet 154 extends
radially through the stem into the inner passageway 146, with the
inlet 154 being provided on the stem in between the flexing inner
intermediate disc 42 and the sealing inner intermediate disc 43. A
radially extending outlet 148 extends radially through the stem 38
from the inner passageway 146, to between the outer intermediate
disc 45 and the outer disc 44.
[0114] The piston 14 also carries an engagement flange or disc 62
on the stem 38 outward from the outer sealing disc 44. Engagement
disc 62 is provided for engagement by an activating device in order
to move the piston 14 in and out of the body 12.
[0115] The first inner liquid pump comprises a stepped cylinder
pump formed by inner chamber 20 and the inner intermediate chamber
21 interacting with the piston 14 carrying the inner disc 40, the
flexing inner intermediate disc 42 and the sealing inner
intermediate sealing disc 43, such that liquid from the reservoir
is in a withdrawal stroke drawn from the reservoir into the annular
inner compartment 64 between the inner disc 40 and the flexing
inner intermediate disc 42 and in a retraction stroke liquid in the
annular inner compartment 64 is forced outwardly past the inner
intermediate flexing disc 42 into an annular outer intermediate
compartment 65 and then via the inlet 154, inner passageway 146 and
the outlet 148 into the annular outer compartment 66.
[0116] The second outer air pump comprises a stepped cylinder pump
formed by the outer intermediate chamber 23 and the outer chamber
24 interacting with the piston 14 carrying the outer intermediate
disc 45 and the outer disc 44, such that air and liquid in the
outer compartment 66 is in a withdrawal stroke forced from the
outer compartment 66 via the inlet 54, outer passageway 46 and out
the outlet 48, and in a retraction stroke atmospheric air plus air
and/or liquid in the outer passageway 46 is drawn into the outer
compartment 66 via the outlet 48, outer passageway 46 and inlet
54.
[0117] In the third embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 like the first
embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4, the first pump is out of phase with the
second pump, in the sense that in any one retraction or extension
stroke while one pump is drawing fluid in, the other is discharging
fluid out.
[0118] Reference is now made to FIG. 8 which illustrates a fourth
embodiment of a pump assembly in accordance with the present
invention in a retracted position identical to the third embodiment
of FIGS. 6 and 7 with the first exception that the inner chamber 40
has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the inner
intermediate chamber.
[0119] From the retracted position shown in FIG. 8, in moving
outwardly in a withdrawal stroke the volume between the inner disc
40 and the flexing inner intermediate disc 42 decreases such that
fluid is displaced outwardly past the flexing sealing inner
intermediate disc 42 to between the flexing inner intermediate disc
42 and the sealing inner intermediate disc 43. In a retraction
stroke with movement from a withdrawn position inwardly toward to
the retracted position of FIG. 8, the volume between the inner disc
40 and the flexing inner intermediate disc 42 increases such that
fluid is drawn outwardly past the inner disc 40 to between the
inner disc 40 and the flexing inner intermediate disc 42.
[0120] In the fourth embodiment of FIG. 8 like the first embodiment
of FIG. 5, the first pump is in phase with the second pump, in the
sense that in any retraction stroke both the first pump and the
second pump are drawing fluid in, and in any extension stroke both
the first pump and the second pump are discharging fluid out.
[0121] Reference is made to FIG. 9 which illustrates a fifth
embodiment of a pump assembly in accordance with the present
invention in a retracted position. The pump assembly 10 of FIG. 9
comprises two principal elements, a piston chamber-forming body 12
and a piston 14. The piston chamber-forming body is substantially
identical to the body 12 shown in FIG. 5 with the exception that
the threaded collar 106 is not included. The body 12 includes the
inner chamber 20, intermediate chamber 22 and outer chamber 24 with
the inner chamber 20 being of a greater diameter than the
intermediate chamber 22 and the intermediate chamber being of a
greater diameter than the outer chamber 24.
[0122] A flexing inner disc 40 is provided at an innermost end
spaced axially from a flexing inner intermediate disc 42 which, in
turn, is spaced axially from a sealing outer intermediate disc 43.
The inner disc 40 is adapted to be axially slidable within the
inner chamber 20. The flexing inner intermediate disc 42, and the
sealing outer intermediate disc 43 are adapted to be axially
slidable within the intermediate chamber 22. A sealing outer disc
44 is spaced axially from the sealing outer intermediate disc 43
and adapted to be axially slidable within the outer cylindrical
chamber 24.
[0123] The inner disc 40 has a resilient outer peripheral edge
which is directed outwardly and is adapted to prevent fluid flow
inwardly yet to deflect to permit fluid flow outwardly therepast in
the inner chamber 20. The flexing inner intermediate disc 42 has a
resilient peripheral edge which is directed outwardly and adapted
to prevent fluid flow inwardly yet to deflect to permit fluid flow
outwardly therepast in the intermediate chamber 22. The sealing
outer intermediate disc 43 is adapted to be axially slidable within
the intermediate chamber 22. The sealing outer intermediate disc 43
extends radially outwardly from the stem 38 to sealably engage the
side wall of the intermediate chamber 22, and prevent flow
therepast both outwardly and inwardly. The outer sealing disc 44
extends radially outwardly from the stem 38 to sealably engage the
side wall 36 of the outer chamber 24, and prevent flow therepast
either outwardly or both outwardly and inwardly.
[0124] The piston 14 essentially forms, as defined between the
inner disc 40 and the flexing inner intermediate disc 42, an
annular inner compartment 64 which opens radially outwardly as an
annular opening between the discs 40 and 42. Similarly, the piston
14 effectively forms between the flexing inner intermediate disc 42
and the sealing outer intermediate sealing disc 43 an annular outer
intermediate compartment 65 which opens radially outwardly as an
annular opening between the discs 42 and 43. Similarly, the piston
14 effectively forms between the outer intermediate sealing disc 43
and the outer disc 44 an annular outer compartment 66 which opens
radially outwardly as an annular opening between the discs 43 and
44.
[0125] The piston 14 also carries an engagement flange or disc 62
on the stem 38 outward from the outer sealing disc 44. Engagement
disc 62 is provided for engagement by an activating device in order
to move the piston 14 in and out of the body 12.
[0126] The stem 38 is hollow having a central passageway 46 open at
an outlet 48 and closed at an inner end 52. An axially extending
inlet 54 extends radially through the stem into the passageway 46
with the inlet 54 being provided on the stem in between the outer
disc 44 and the outer intermediate disc 43. A center tube 138 is
provided coaxially within the passageway 46. The tube 138 has a
central passageway 146 coaxially therein open at an outlet end 148
within the passageway 46 and closed at an inner end 152. A radially
extending inlet 154 extends radially through the stem into the
inner passageway 146, with the inlet 154 being provided on the stem
in between the flexing intermediate disc 42 at the sealing outer
intermediate disc 43.
[0127] A first inner liquid pump comprises a stepped cylinder pump
formed by inner chamber 20 and the intermediate chamber 22
interacting with the piston 14 carrying the inner disc 40, the
flexing inner intermediate discs 42 and the sealing outer
intermediate discs 43, such that fluid from the reservoir is in a
retraction stroke drawn from the reservoir into the annular inner
compartment 64 between the inner disc 40 and the flexing
intermediate disc 42 and, in a withdrawal stroke, liquid in the
annular inner compartment 64 is forced outwardly past the inner
intermediate flexing disc 42 into the annular intermediate
compartment 65 and then via the inlet 154, the inner passage 146
discharged out the outlet 148 into the passageway 46.
[0128] The second outer air pump comprises a stepped cylinder pump
formed by the intermediate chamber 22 and the outer chamber 24
interacting with the piston 14 carrying the outer intermediate disc
43 and the outer disc 44, such that air in the outer compartment 66
is in a withdrawal stroke forced from the outer compartment 66 via
the inlet 54, the outer passageway 46 to out of the outlet 48 and
in a retraction stroke atmospheric air is drawn into the outer
compartment via the outlet 48, outer passageway 46 and the inlet
54.
[0129] As seen in FIG. 9, annularly about the central tube 138, the
outer passageway 46 forms an annular space 246 radially outwardly
of the inner tube 138. In the withdrawal stroke, air which is
forced out of the outer compartment 66 is directed through the
annular space 246 annularly about the central tube 138 forming an
annular tube or wall of air about a central stream of fluid being
simultaneously dispensed from the central outlet 148. Such annular
tube of air is preferably travelling in the withdrawal stroke at a
higher velocity than the liquid being forced out of the inner tube
138 through the outlet 148 and the annular tube of air can assist
in urging the liquid to exit the outlet 48 as by an effect, with
such flow of air assisting in ensuring that at the end of a stroke,
all of the liquid which has exited from the outlet 148 become to be
dispensed out of the outlet 48. The embodiment of FIG. 9 is
advantageous for use with relatively thick fluid such as lotions
and creams and can assist in ensuring that substantially all of the
cream which has exited from the outlet 148 is dispensed from the
outlet 48 and to reduce difficulties in respect of dripping of the
cream from the outlet 48.
[0130] Reference is made to FIG. 10 which illustrates an enlarged
portion of the pump assembly 10 shown in FIG. 9 as being a pump
assembly which is identical to that shown in FIG. 9 with two
exceptions. The first exception is that on the central tube 138, a
flexing outer disc 144 is provided to extend outwardly from the
central tube 138 and engage the radially inwardly directed side
wall 136 of the passageway 146. The flexing outer disc 144 is
adapted to be axially slidable within the passageway 46. The outer
disc 144 has a resilient outer peripheral edge which is directed
outwardly and is adapted to prevent fluid flow inwardly yet to
deflect to permit fluid flow outwardly therepast as by having its
resilient outer edge deflect radially inwardly to permit fluid flow
under pressure differentials above a pre-determined pressure,
axially outwardly therepast.
[0131] The second exception is that an annular flute-like
channelway 346 is provided in an outer surface of the stem 38
between the engagement flange 62 and the outer disc 44 so as to
provide for air communication from outside the body 12 into the
outer chamber 24.
[0132] In operation, the outer disc 144 permits air to pass
outwardly therepast through the annular opening 246 yet to prevent
air to pass inwardly therepast. In a retraction stroke, atmospheric
air may enter the outer compartment 66 by flowing through the
slotway 364 to the outer disc 44 which is to be configured to have
its resilient outer edge deflect radially inwardly to permit air
flow therepast.
[0133] The provision of the outer disc 144 can assist in ensuring
that fluid discharged from the outlet 148 or in the outlet 48 is
not drawn inwardly into the chamber 66. The relative resiliency of
the outer disc 144 can be adjusted to require air pressure to be
developed within the chamber 66 before air may be released through
the annular opening 248. The relative resiliency of the outer disc
44 may be adjusted so as to permit relative ease of air flow
therepast into the chamber 66.
[0134] As a further embodiment to be appreciated that an
arrangement similar to FIG. 10 could be provided, however,
including the channelway 346 but excluding the outer disc 144. The
annular opening 246 could be restricted at least one location to
reduce its cross-sectional area such that in a retraction stroke,
insofar as any fluid may come to be in the reduced diameter
section, that the restriction on air flow inwardly would cause the
outer disc 44 to flex permitting air flow into the chamber 66
rather than drawing of the fluid into the chamber 66 past the
restriction.
[0135] Reference is made to FIG. 11 which illustrates a sixth
embodiment of a piston pump assembly 10 with close similarities to
the pump assembly shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates a first
liquid pump comprising a stepped cylinder pump which discharges
fluid into a withdrawal stroke. FIG. 11 shows a modification of the
arrangement in FIG. 5 to replace the stepped cylinder liquid pump
by the elimination of the inner disc 40 with a one-way valve 150
provided in an inlet port 152 to the chamber 22. The valve 150 has
a stem 154 which carries an inner valve disc 156 which extends
radially outwardly from the stem 154 to engage the side wall of the
chamber 22. The valve disc 156 has a resilient outer perimeter
which is directed outwardly and engages the wall of the chamber 22
to prevent fluid flow therepast inwardly yet deflects radially
inwardly to prevent fluid flow outwardly therepast. Similar such
one-way valves could be used in replacement of the inner disc 40 in
the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 8 and 9 where the liquid pump and air
pump are in phase. As shown, a cap member 157 closes the inner end
of the chamber 22 and has a central port 152 to receive the stem
154 of the valve 150 and, as well, openings 158 therethrough to
provide communication between the reservoir and the chamber 22.
[0136] Reference is made to FIG. 12 but illustrates a seventh
embodiment of a piston pump assembly in accordance with the present
invention in a withdrawn position identical to the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 4 with the first exception that the outer disc 44 in
FIG. 4 has been removed and replaced by an outer disc 344 which is
carried on the body 12 and extends from the chamber wall 36 of the
outer chamber 24 inwardly to engage a cylindrical radially
outwardly directed surface 345 of the stem 38 so as to prevent flow
of air and fluid outwardly past the outer disc 344. The other
exception is that in FIG. 12, the stem 38 has been increased in
axial length so as to provide adequate axial length for the outer
disc 344 to engage the cylindrical wall 345 throughout a complete
cycle of a stroke.
[0137] FIG. 12 shows one embodiment in which one of the discs,
namely, the outer disc 44 provided on the piston 14 in FIG. 3, is
replaced by a complementary disc provided on the body 12 such as
the disc 344. Other discs shown in the various embodiments may
similarly be replaced from being on the piston 14 to being on the
body 12.
[0138] Reference is made to FIG. 13 which illustrates an eighth
embodiment of a pump assembly 10 in accordance with the present
invention in a withdrawn position which is identical to the first
embodiment of FIG. 4 with the first exception that a second sealing
disc 444 is provided on the stem 38. Providing two sealing discs,
namely the outer sealing disc 44 and the sealing disc 444 better
assists in ensuring that there will not be leakage of liquid from
the outer chamber 24 outwardly. In FIG. 13, the sealing disc 44 is
providing on the inner piston element 102 and the sealing disc 444
is provided on the outer piston element 104 towards assisting in
manufacture. It is to be appreciated that both of the sealing
flanges could be provided on the inner piston element 102 or on the
outer piston element 104. Additionally, in combination with a
sealing disc such as 44 or 444 provided on the piston 14, a sealing
disc such as 344 may be provided on the body 12 as shown in FIG.
12.
[0139] Reference is made to FIG. 14 which shows a bottle pre-form
400 manufactured from plastic by an injection moulding process and
including a neck portion 402 and a tube portion 404. Each of the
neck portion 402 and the tube portion 404 are circular in
cross-section about a central axis 26. The tube portion 404 is
closed at an inner end 406. The neck portion 402 includes a
radially outwardly extending holding flange 408. Outwardly from the
holding flange 408 there are provided two stepped cylinders with an
inner cylinder 20 formed by an inner cylinder wall 30 and an
intermediate cylinder 22 formed by an outer cylindrical wall 33. As
shown, the diameter of the inner chamber 20 is less than the
diameter of the intermediate chamber 22.
[0140] Reference is made to FIG. 15 which illustrates a bottle 410
which has been formed from the pre-form 400 of FIG. 14 in a stretch
blow moulding process typically involving heating of the pre-form
as to above the glass transition temperature, then applying high
pressure air inside the pre-form to stretch the tube portion 404 of
FIG. 14 to provide bottle interior walls having a desired
configuration as shown in FIG. 15 inwardly from the holding flange
408. In such stretch blow moulding process, the neck portion 402 of
the pre-mould 400 of FIG. 14 is not altered.
[0141] As seen in FIG. 15, to the open end 411 of the chamber 22, a
body end member 212 is secured which body end member 212 carries a
shoulder 34 closing the outer end of the chamber 22 which opens
into the outer chamber 24. The end body portion 212 also includes a
protective shroud 108 similar to that shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 15
shows a pump assembly 10 substantially identical to the pump
assembly of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 with the
addition of the protective shroud 108 and with the equivalent of
the piston chamber-forming body 12 in the first embodiment of FIGS.
2 to 4 being formed with the inner chamber 20 and intermediate
chamber 22 provided by the neck portion 402 of the pre-form and the
outer chamber 24 provided by the end body portion 212. In
accordance with an embodiment alternate to that shown in FIG. 15,
the neck portion 402 may provide merely the inner chamber 20 and
the end body portion 212 could provide, in addition to what is
shown in FIG. 15, also the intermediate chamber 22. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the fact that the inner
chamber 20 has a smaller diameter than the outer chamber 22
facilitates removal of the internal mould core from the pre-form
400 on injection moulding. Insofar as a pre-form such as shown in
FIGS. 14 and 15 may be desired to construct a pump such as shown in
FIG. 5 with the inner chamber 20 to be of a larger diameter than
the intermediate chamber 22, then it would be preferred that the
neck portion 402 merely include the inner chamber 20 and both the
intermediate chamber 22 and the outer chamber 24 be provided on the
body end portion 212.
[0142] While this invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. Many
modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in
the art. For a definition of the invention, reference is made to
the appended claims.
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